yucca

noun

yuc·​ca ˈyə-kə 

1

: any of a genus (Yucca) of sometimes arborescent plants of the asparagus family that occur in warm regions chiefly of western North America and have long sword-shaped often stiff fibrous-margined leaves on a usually woody base and bear a large panicle of white blossoms

2

: cassava

Illustration of yucca

Examples of yucca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Try traditional cuisine like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and vigoron (a dish made with yucca, pork rinds, and cabbage salad). —Essence, 13 May 2026

The dusty path weaves between spiky yucca, twisted shrubs and towering sandstone formations of rusty hues. —Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Vogt says that Rattlesnake Master's spiky yucca-like leaves and bristled golf-ball flowers add architectural drama to a prairie planting and lure adult pollinators throughout the late summer. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026

The yucca frita are crunchy, golden tiles with fluffy, almost cheesy centers of cassava. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Spanish yuca, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for yucca

• plica
• pucca

Kids Definition

yucca

noun

yuc·​ca ˈyək-ə 

: any of a genus of plants that are related to the agaves, grow in warm dry regions mostly of western North America, have long pointed often stiff leaves, and produce a tall stiff stalk with whitish flowers